A Place to Share Laughter and Memories
Story by Michael Seguin
Photography by Michael Pietrangelo
What makes a house a home? Photos of loved ones along the walls? Trinkets from past vacations? A kitchen where you and your family can prepare meals together? A shimmering pool to take a dip in during hot days? An expansive dining room table for meals and entertaining? Some slight vegetation to keep prying eyes away?
All of the above?
Perhaps one of the coziest and best-loved homes in all of Windsor and Essex County is the aptly described Backyard Oasis. Perfect for hosting friends and family, each and every area of the Backyard Oasis—from the pool to the outdoor kitchen to the waterfall to the fully-furnished pool house—remains in constant, unending use for three of the year’s four seasons. Meaning that most days, neighbors can hear the raucous laughter echoing from beyond the fence and the trees.
The entirety of the Backyard Oasis was designed by the Owners working closely with Nor-Built Construction—with some specific contributions by other local builders and vendors. And the current face of the landscape underwent some significant renovations during the pandemic—meaning that everything is both fully accessible and fully optimized.
Perhaps the centerpiece of the Backyard Oasis—one that tends to draw the most eyes and summon the most gasps—is the natural-stone waterfall. Standing at around six-to-seven-feet tall, the whole structure is modeled after a piece of land farther north. It is braced against a foundation of heavy slabs and primarily features a landslide of waterworn stones. And the waterfall itself bleeds into a majestic pond—which passing cardinals and blue jays have been known to drink from as the hours pass. Surrounding the waterfall is a motley of different flowers and plants, including boxwoods, lime-light hydrangeas, yellow flowers and a burning bush. These frame the shimmering, stony structure with both texture and colour—only increasing the impression of natural, rustic beauty.
And in perfect contrast to all that gurgling water are some torrents of flame. The Backyard Oasis features a sloping fire-table—which is encircled by a cushioned seating area. The flames provide both heat and comfort—as well as warm lighting when the sun fades in the west and the stars shimmer overhead. Stray grandchildren have even attempted to roast a couple marshmallows over such licking embers. The fire-table and the whole seating area stand vigilant over an unseen hot tub—which leads into a basement featuring both a bar and movie theater.
Moving on, perhaps the most notable (and the most fiercely competitive when guests come around!) feature of the Backyard Oasis is the pool house. It contains a main living area where a wicker couch and two chairs gather about a wood-burning fireplace, complete with a mounted television and enough lumber to keep the flames burning for many, many months. The left wall is currently adorned with countless photos of loved ones. Meanwhile, the right wall features many vanity licence plates from the owner’s many travels—including France, Jamaica, Mexico, Malta, the Bahamas, the Yukon and more.
And the words emblazoned above the mantle perfectly encapsulate the central ethos of the Backyard Oasis: “This is our happy place.”
The pool house also contains a bedroom—meaning that friends and traveling guests will have a place to sleep if the celebrations stretch too far into the evening!
And taking up the central corridor of the Backyard Oasis is the pool itself. The wide, expansive, Mediterranean-style body of water is perfect for soaking and entertaining. It even comes equipped with a volleyball net for games and impromptu tournaments.
As well, the owners of the Backyard Oasis would like to credit Matt at Re-Lighting Inc. for ensuring that nightfall remains perfectly optional. The area surrounding the pool are lit with countless blazing lights—meaning that as beautiful as the Backyard Oasis is during the day, it only shines all the brighter and all the more breathtaking beneath the stars. As well, the many tables and seating arrangements mean that celebrations can stretch on long into the early morning hours.
And near the pool is the outdoor kitchen area. It contains a refrigerator, a hot-and-cold sink, a gas-top stove, a handcrafted wood-burning pizza oven, a barbeque, a fireplace, and a fully equipped bar. (And the pizza oven itself is something of a bonus feature! Previously, one of the Owners told her husband that they would enjoy adding one to their backyard. It was only after completing the project that her husband realized he’d been bamboozled. His wife had only asked for the wood-burning pizza oven because she knew he would enjoy it.)
The whole area is a spectacle of Arriscraft Citadel desert brown stone—which, along with the pizza oven, were provided by Santerra Stonecraft. The kitchen also comes equipped with a shimmering countertop and four seats.
Near the kitchen is an outdoor dining area—featuring a table that can seat up to 10 people. And the table itself is something of a wonder. The metal frame was designed by the owners themselves and is drilled into the concrete—meaning that none of the guests are ever in danger of hitting their legs when moving. As well, the granite for the outdoor dining room table was supplied by Dimanti Stone Countertops & Backsplash.
And more broadly, perhaps what is most remarkable about the Backyard Oasis is the sheer volume of memories straining against the foundations. The area has hosted four outdoor weddings—as well as an annual fundraising event by Amherstburg’s Da Boys. The whole of the Backyard Oasis can house around 150 people—meaning that the laughter can reach the skies during such occasions.
What’s more, the downstairs patio features a ramp. One of the owner’s daughters has a physical disability necessitating a walker or a wheelchair, meaning that the entirety of the Backyard Oasis is fully accessible. So no matter the occasion or the event, everyone—regardless of their physical capabilities or limitations—is fully welcome within the arms of the Backyard Oasis! Each and every corner of the landscape and the house is fully open to anyone.
Yes, the Backyard Oasis is truly one of Windsor’s most sublime feats of design. A true sanctuary away from everything where loved ones can gather, make memories, and bask in the warmth of each other’s company.
And who knows! Perhaps one day—if the stars align—you might one day be granted an audience into that Backyard Oasis.
Just remember that there is something of a queue for the pool house.
Windsor Life Magazine is always searching for interesting homes, landscaping, gardens, patios and water features to show our readers what others in the community are doing with their living spaces. If you have a home that you feel would be interesting please email photos to info@windsorlife.com. Photos need to be for reference only. If your home is chosen we will arrange for a complete photo shoot. If you wish, you may remain anonymous and the location of your home will not be disclosed.
Published in the Summer 2025 edition.
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